AAIB investigation to Airbus Helicopters AS355F1 Ecureuil II, G-OHCP

Having entered IMC, descended and struck the Summit of Rhinog Fawr, Snowdonia, 29 March 2017.

From:: Air Accidents Investigation Branch
Published: 8 March 2018

Category:: Commercial - rotorcraft
Report type:: Bulletin - Field investigation
Date of occurrence:: 29 March 2017
Aircraft type:: Airbus Helicopters AS355F1 Ecureuil II
Location:: Summit of Rhinog Fawr, Snowdonia
Registration:: G-OHCP

Summary:

皇冠体育app helicopter was flying on a Visual Flight Rules (VFR) flight plan from its operating base near Cranfield Airport on a direct track to a private site near Dublin. 皇冠体育app weather on departure was suitable for VFR flight but, as forecast, deteriorated markedly in the area of Snowdonia with low cloud and rain. 皇冠体育app helicopter flew over a witness 4.3 nm southeast of the accident site before disappearing into the cloud. Shortly afterwards it struck the east side of Rhinog Fawr Mountain, fatally injuring the five occupants.

皇冠体育app